Annual Report Student Affairs Committee 2001-2002

The Student Affairs Committee met at the Governance Retreat held July 12-13, 2001 at the Rensselaerville Conference Center. Patricia Haase and Karen Scott were elected co-chairs for 2001-2002. The committee met via videoconference on September 10, 2001, in person on October 2, 2001 in Saratoga, and via conference call on November 19, 2001, December 3, 2001, January 28, 2002 and March 11, 2002.

The Student Affairs Committee fulfilled its mission as stated in the College bylaws to provide continuing study, review and recommendations for change in all phases of student involvement in the College. SAC's agenda for the year was an ambitious one, and with two months remaining in the governance year, much has been accomplished.

Student Conduct Policy

SAC took the lead in reviewing and approving the Student Conduct Policy, expected to be implemented in July 2002. The Conduct Policy will allow the College to sanction or dismiss a student if issues other than academic ones become a problem.

In addition to the Student Conduct Policy, SAC also provided feedback on the Student Grievance Policy and the Academic Appeals Policy to APLPC.

Bylaws

SAC proposed a change in the College bylaws to allow for student representation from the Graduate Studies program. Pending approval of the Assembly, this will go into effect with the start of the next governance year.

Newsletter

One edition of the SAC Newsletter has been published and a second edition will be published this spring. The fall newsletter, received by all currently enrolled students, contained information about the Empire State College Virtual Library, important financial aid deadlines, and articles on President Moore's inauguration.

Students with Disabilities

SAC spent one meeting discussing the issue of students with disabilities and how the College can best serve those students. The Empire State College ADA coordinator led a discussion about the College policy and distributed information on resources available to both students and staff. The committee will continue to develop means to get this information to centers and mentors for use with their students.

Recognition of Student Academic Excellence

With the restructuring of the All College program to focus on faculty and staff professional development comes the phasing out of student presentations at All College. SAC will continue to seek out opportunities where students can get involved in activities and programs that recognize excellent academic work.

The Student Affairs Committee encourages all members of the Empire State College community to forward issues or concerns related to students to its attention.

The members of the Student Affairs Committee wish to thank the people throughout the College who have provided advice and information during the year.